No cash for Matlama

MASERU — Matlama FC’s demand for a share of the gate receipts from their match against SuperSport United is a non-starter according to the Lesotho Football Association’s (Lefa) public relations officer Baba Malephane.

It was reported in local media last week that Matlama were seeking a sizable portion of the gate receipts made from the preliminary Caf Champions League home win over South African champions SuperSport United.

The match which Tse Putsoa won 2-1 at Setsoto Stadium two Sundays ago brought home a total of M150 000 in gate-takings for Lefa.

It seems this is another case where the fine print was not read properly.

Matlama were involved in a similar row with Vodacom Lesotho during the Vodacom Soccer Spectacular last October.

Speaking to the Lesotho Times Malephane said Lefa were entitled to the entirety of the money as per agreements made between Lefa and Matlama before the tie.

“I was seeing that in the papers for the first time,” Malephane said.

“We are not going to split it because there was nowhere in the agreement where it said we should.”

Matlama manager Lebenya Makakole said the figures that had been bandied about were incorrect but the club did want some compensation for their preparations in the tournament.

It was reported Matlama were demanding M120 000 as compensation for their preparations which included sessions at the Lehakoe Club and friendly matches against South African sides Bloemfontein Celtics and Free State Stars.

“We and Lefa are still in negotiations over certain things. The figure itself is ridiculous but we are looking to be compensated for the costs we incurred preparing the team,” Makakole said.

Malephane however said these were the responsibility of the club.

Lefa was responsible for Matlama’s travelling, for the accommodation of match officials and for the costs of Matlama’s camp at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena.

Meanwhile, Matlama hosted Likhopo in a local derby that ended 1-1 at Bambatha last Friday as the Vodacom Premier League second round kicked off.

Makakole added that Matlama didn’t want to be inactive for a long period.

Tse Putsoa have four players, Litšepe Marabe, Tšoanelo Koetle, Mohau Khali and Motiki Mohale on duty with the Makoanyane XI and have not been scheduled to play until April.

“To my knowledge this is the last match, but I believe we cannot wait. We are still in negotiations we want to play with or without players,” Makakole said.